"When Dr. Latham was killed, her assailants apparently took great interest in an implant she may have done. Dr. Latham doesn't do implants, but I think there was some confusion. They could have been referencing a crown. I’m going to go out into conspiracy theory territory right now, so just bear with me. Is it possible to put a listening device or some kind of tracker into a dental implant or crown?”
Isabella laughed. "Is it possible? Absolutely. The technology has gotten so small, and there have been devices developed that will power themselves off Wi-Fi signals. They never need to be recharged. If she implanted a listening device into the senator’s tooth, they would have clear access to his conversations and could probably access the device over a mobile or Wi-Fi network.” Then she added, “I’ve seen explosive implants, though official sources will tell you they don’t exist. But the stuff they are doing with nanotechnology is incredible. A small shape charge could sever the internal carotid artery. The victim would bleed out in a matter of minutes."
“That’s it. They want the senator dead.”
“Heispushing through strong anti-trafficking legislation after a decade of a soft stance.”
“Why the change of heart?”
"That's worth looking into," Isabella said. "He's giving a speech at a fundraiser in Coconut Key tonight.”
"This has been months in the planning,” I said, putting it all together.
"I'll dig into Bergen and see what I can find. You need to get in touch with his security staff and warn them.”
"How do we stop something like this? That device could easily be detonated by remote—cell signal, RFID, through a wireless network.”
"An EMP would take out every device in the area. Not exactly legal or handy. You could make a small one with a short range to disable the tooth. If you can get close to the senator.”
“How close?”
“3-5 inches.”
We talked for a bit more. I thanked her and ended the call, then dialed the sheriff. “We’ve got a problem.”
53
Icontacted the senator’s office and updated a staffer on the threat. She told me someone would return my call shortly.
It was two hours later when the senator’s Chief of Staff, Scott McCullough, contacted me. “Tell me more about this threat, Deputy Wild.”
I explained the situation.
“So, this is all just a hunch? You have no credible evidence that an explosive device was implanted into the senator.”
My face tightened. “No. But based on our investigation?—“
“Let me stop you right there. I need real, actionable intel. Not a hunch. The senator has gotten 37 death threats this week alone. All of them crackpots on the internet. And to tell you the truth, this sounds out there.”
"This isn’t some crackpot theory. We’re talking about a ruthless cartel with a vested interest in the senator’s demise. Given his current political stance, it is worth looking into.”
"Rest assured, Deputy, we will look into this, as we do with every threat. But right now, you have nothing tangible, unless there's something you're not telling me."
"At the least, use a hacker tool and run a scan to see if you can pick up any Bluetooth or wireless devices. Use a Stingray or an IMSI catcher to detect a mobile device.”
“A what?”
I explained the technology. Scott was not a tech-savvy security guy.
“Dr. Latham was brutally murdered recently. These people need to be taken seriously.”
"I understand, and it's a terrible tragedy. I'm sure you're very close to this case.”
"The device could be triggered remotely. At the least, jam cell signals in the area during the speech. The cartel likely wants to send a message.”
"We don’t have that capability. What you’re talking about requires a court order. To get that, I would need something more than a hunch and more time than we have available. I will take everything you said under advisement. I appreciate your diligence in this matter, Deputy. I will be in contact if I have any further questions.”
“A simple EMP pulse within range would disable any sensitive electronics. It’s an easy preventative measure.”
